Infant Frenectomy

Most children’s lingual frenulum separates before birth, but some infants are born with their lingual frenulum still attached to the bottom of their tongue, resulting in them being what is commonly referred to as “tongue-tied.” It is not known what causes this issue to occur, but it is more common among boys and may be linked to genetic factors. Fortunately, tongue-tie is easily corrected with a procedure called a frenectomy at marin contemporary periodontics and implant concepts. Frenectomies among infants has become increasingly common, due to greater awareness and improved surgical techniques.

One of the most common reasons for performing a frenectomy on an infant is to improve their ability to breastfeed. When a baby breastfeeds, their tongue naturally curls on the underside of the mother’s breast and draws the surrounding breast tissue and nipple deeply into their throat when they suckle. Infants who are tongue-tied have limited tongue motion, which can prevent than from being able to take the breast deeply into their mouth and inhibits their latching ability.

Common indications of an infant with a tongue-tie include the following:

• Inability to latch onto breast
• Severe nipple pain, so much so the mother stops nursing
• Able to latch but slides off quickly while feeding
• Heart-shaped tongue, with a dent or divot on the tongue tip
• Sucks in cheeks while nursing
• Makes clicking sounds while nursing
• Failure to gain weight due to low milk supply
• Low milk supply and/or breast infection due to incomplete or infrequent emptying of the breast

While these are common signs that an infant may have tongue-tie, it is possible for a baby to have tongue-tie and not exhibit symptoms until later in life.

Frenectomy For Children

There are two schools of thought regarding whether or not to perform a frenectomy on infants. Some recommend holding off in case the infant will naturally outgrow the issue. While there is a possibility this will occur, most lactation consultants and doctors recommend having the frenectomy performed to eliminate the risk of the child having difficulty breastfeeding.

Fortunately, the frenectomy procedure for newborns is fast, simple, and relatively painless, and oftentimes the procedure can be performed before the infant is discharged. Your infant will be swaddled, and their tongue gently lifted up in order to access and snip the frenulum with sterile scissors. Following this, your pediatrician will evaluate the tongue to ensure the frenulum has been completely clipped, after which the procedure will be complete, and your child can immediately return to breastfeeding. Oftentimes mothers notice a significant improvement in breastfeeding immediately following this procedure.

If tongue-tie is not corrected as an infant, children are at an increased risk of developing the following complications later in life:

• Poor oral hygiene. Due to limited tongue movement, tooth decay and inflammation are more likely to occur as a result of food debris not being swept away from their teeth.
• Increased risk of developing a gap between their two bottom front teeth.
• Speech difficulties.
• Difficulty with activities such as kissing, licking one’s lips, licking an ice cream cone, and/or playing a wind instrument

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